TRENTON, N.J. - The holiday season is quickly approaching, and the time of year for sharing joy and happiness with those less fortunate has arrived.

Mercer County Veteran Services is conducting its annual donation drive to help veterans and their families enjoy the comforts of a hot meal on each holiday.

Last year the County raised $6,500 for this worthy cause. Reaching this goal would again allow many of our veterans and their families to purchase items for a holiday meal, and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.

“Last year, we met our donation goal and were able to provide meals to veterans during the holiday season.” Hughes said. “That kind of generosity is what makes Mercer County great. Our veterans have given so much, now let’s show them we care.”

The holiday meal fund drive is an annual county endeavor. Rather than collecting donations of food, Mercer County’s Division of Veteran Services accepts monetary donations that go toward the purchase of Shop-Rite gift cards veterans can use to purchase holiday meals. Veterans will receive those gift cards in time for holiday meal preparations. Mercer County Veteran Services uses every dollar collected during the drive to purchase and distribute the Shop Rite gift cards for food products.

If you wish to donate, make your checks payable to Mercer County Trust Fund. Please mail your donations to the Mercer County Division of Veteran Services, 2280 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For additional information on making a donation, please call (609) 989-6120.